Why English and maths?

English and maths are important life skills and are used every hour of every day. They will help you to achieve your best in your studies and progress to your dream career. English and maths qualifications could be the difference between being accepted onto a university course, securing a job or a promotion.

Benefits of English and maths skills

  • Employers and universities want you to have them
  • They will help you to progress to higher level study
  • They will ensure you a better job
  • You will be able to access more career opportunities
  • They will help you earn more money in the future
  • They will provide you with better life opportunities

English will help you to:

Communicate effectively and think creatively.

Maths will help you to:

Solve problems, understand money and work out calculations.

Find the revision technique for you...

  • Be prepared, it's never too early to start your revision
  • Use colour, liven up your revision notes by using colour and highlighters
  • Revise everywhere, use mind maps, post-it notes and written notes to support your study
  • Don't revise in bed, find a calm and comfortable place to revise but keep your bed for sleep
  • Take breaks, keep your mind alert by taking short breaks every hour
  • Recall, test what you can remember after you've revised
  • Relax, don't stress. Make time to complete activities that help you to relax
  • Stay motivated, visualise your end goal, like a place on your dream university course or employment
  • Eat and drink healthy, to improve your concentration and thinking
  • Use acronyms, AFORESTRIP, DAFOREST
  • Test yourself, track your progress and fill in the gaps

What will I study?

If you have a Grade 9-4 at GCSE in English and/or maths, you will develop your skills throughout your course. You will not have a separate class, the continued development of your English and maths knowledge is so important and relevant to your career goals.

If you have a grade 3 to 1 in GCSE English and/or maths you will develop your skills throughout your course. You will need to commit to studying 3 hours a week in class per English or maths plus at least that same amount of study time at home.

If you don't already have a grade in GCSE English and/or maths you will study Functional Skills. You will need to commit to studying 2 hours a week for English, 2 hours a week for Maths and the same amount of study time at home.